In church on Sunday, the pastor’s message was about humility. I sat there in my chair overcome by gratefulness for the humility God has brought into my life. Not by the circumstances that unfolded to create that humility by any means, because we know those situations are usually painful, but for the outcome on my perception of life in general.

My faith journey has always looked very independent. I was raised to be strong, show little weakness and to not depend on others for things I could provide for myself. 

While I think these are good qualities in a person, they also lead to a person who doesn’t allow others to come into their life and to help when help is needed. Being independent also doesn’t typically allow for you to recognize how sitting still in times of hardship is sometimes the answer.

“All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’” – 1 Peter 5:5

The world views dependency as immaturity, but God views it as spiritual maturity when we choose to look to him to guide us and to depend on our faith in all circumstances.     

Life can bring you to your knees and force you to rely on the consult of your circle of Christian mentors, to lean into your faith for the right decision or the correct support, and to humble yourself to know you cannot overcome the circumstances all by yourself. 

It took me several years to truly reflect on the “Why me?” of my pain and trials, but God made it so clear to me through self-awareness. I know now I can’t be in control all the time and that I need to allow others to love me, my family and our friends. 

I pray we all have that faithful circle of friends you can do life with who are by your side no matter what, who pick you up when you hit your knees, and who will force you to let go of your independence and just walk beside you no matter what.

This is humility God creates as we grow in him.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14

Written by Shelly Smith, executive director for Buckner Children and Family Services in East Texas.